Head-to-head · 2026
Northern Arizona University vs University of Arizona
Compare average net price ($14,158 at Northern Arizona University; $16,674 at University of Arizona), ROI score (9.60 vs 8.99), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($54,384 vs $59,979), and admissions selectivity (89.6% acceptance at Northern Arizona University; 86.1% at University of Arizona) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Northern Arizona University | University of Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.60 ✓ | 8.99 |
| Avg net price | $14,158 ✓ | $16,674 |
| 4-year avg net price | $56,632 ✓ | $66,696 |
| In-state tuition | $13,009 | $13,926 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,881 | $42,278 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $54,384 | $59,979 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 89.6% | 86.1% |
| Graduation rate | 61.3% | 67.5% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 75.5% | 82.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,000 ✓ | $19,620 |
| Enrollment | 22,903 | 42,537 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1246 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Northern Arizona University | University of Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,709 ✓ | $13,353 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,398 ✓ | $14,984 |
| Family income $48–75k | $13,330 ✓ | $16,051 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,050 ✓ | $19,777 |
| Family income $110k+ | $20,686 ✓ | $22,307 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Northern Arizona University | University of Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 6.3% | 4.3% |
| Psychology, General | 4.8% | 3.9% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.3% | 4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 5.7% | 1.7% |
| Biology, General | 6% | 1% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.1% | 0.2% |
| Public Health | 1.9% | 3.3% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2.5% | 1.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern Arizona University reports the lower average net price by $2,516 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $10,064 difference over four years ($56,632 vs $66,696).
University of Arizona reports $5,595 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($59,979 vs $54,384). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75.5% at Northern Arizona University and 82.8% at University of Arizona. Median federal debt among completers is $19,000 vs $19,620, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Northern Arizona University vs University of Arizona, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Arizona University is cheaper — average net price $14,158 per year vs $16,674 at University of Arizona. The annual difference of $2,516 adds up to about $10,064 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arizona reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $59,979 vs $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The gap in the federal data is $5,595. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arizona is more selective at 86.1% acceptance vs 89.6% at Northern Arizona University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.